Category Archives: Movie Memorabilia

Topps Comic Book Heroes Sticker Sets Included The Marvel Monsters

Released by the Topps Company in 1975 and 1976, these stickers showcase just how much monsters were in the mix at the House of Ideas. Marvel Comics was in a golden era of creativity and had their own legion of monsters, grounded in the Universal Monsters archetypes but firmly planted in the Marvel Universe, alongside their own macabre creations. So it’s no surprise that when Topps released sticker sets titled Comic Book Stickers featuring characters from Marvel Comics, that monsters were in the mix.

Comic Book Heroes 1975

The 1975 set was just called “Comic Book Heroes Stickers”; it wasn’t until 1976 that the mighty Marvel brand got its name on the pack as “Marvel Super Hero Stickers”.

Marvel Super Hero Stickers – 1976

While not nearly as monster-focused as the 1975 series, the 1976 Marvel Super Heroes stickers included the addition of Blade and repeat performances by Dracula and Son of Satan. The checklist included in each pack also assembled into a large puzzle of Conan the Barbarian.

Collector Notes:

These stickers are easy to find individually, so it’s not unrealistic to set a goal of collecting a complete set. For completists, there are further variations of the stickers than shown above. Card backs can be found in both tan and white. Tan backs are believed to come from a test run. Some cards can also be found with subtle differences in the copyright info.

A quick scan of current eBay listings comes up with empty wrappers, individual stickers ranging from $3-$10 based on condition, sticker lots, a sealed sticker set for $50 and an display boxes ranging from $100 (empty) to $500 (full).

This Is Now The Most Valuable Movie Poster, Sold At Auction For $525,800

Dracula 1931 One Sheet Style A

One of just two surviving One Sheet Style A movie posters for the 1931 horror classic Dracula set a world record for the most valuable movie poster ever sold at auction when it brought $525,800 Saturday, Nov. 18, in a public auction held live and online by Heritage Auctions.

The poster surpassed the previous auction record of $478,000 which was also set (twice) by Heritage Auctions. Heritage had just sold the only known surviving Italian issue movie poster from 1946 for Casablanca in July 2017, which matched their own previous world record from November 2014 for an only-known 1927 copy of the poster for London After Midnight.

This particular poster style from Dracula depicts the menacing visage of actor Bela Lugosi, who transformed the character into the now-famous Universal Monster. Recently discovered in the San Diego, California, collection of a noted film historian, collectors and experts consider it one of the most desirable horror movie posters ever produced.

The family of its longtime owner, Lt. Col. George J. Mitchell, Jr., an Associate Member of the American Society of Cinematographers, placed the poster up for auction. Mitchell had owned the poster since the 1950s.

“The reason my dad purchased the poster is because he loved horror films. He was drawn to the Bela Lugosi poster because it brought back childhood memories of seeing the film when it was first released,” Mitchell’s son, Arthur Mitchell said. “He remembered going to the theater … and remembered that there was an ambulance stationed in the lobby, in case anyone was so scared they needed medical attention.”

The elder Mitchell was a longtime cinematographer and photographer, who after World War II and a 20-year career in the U.S. Army, started a small film production company in San Diego, and did video work for AFL and NFL Films, the San Diego Zoo and training films for assorted branches of the military.

“It is a matter of opinion, but this poster probably is the most beautiful of all of the styles,” Heritage Auctions Vintage Posters Director Grey Smith said, “and one of only two styles that pictures Bela Lugosi in realistic terms or a faithful rendering – the other is a photographic image.”

The new owner’s identify was not revealed, although a Heritage spokesman said it was “an anonymous U.S. bidder.” Kirk Hammett anyone?

Watch this Heritage Auctions video for more information about this iconic poster:

1970s Nostalgia in a Wax Wrapper!

Released by the Topps Company from 1973 to 1974, these stickers captured the imagination of kids and wound up stuck on just about everything. It’s a simple idea; design stickers for each letter of the alphabet, so kids can spell their name. But rather than just do alphabet stickers, design cool monster graphics in each letter so kids want them all. Capitalize on the monster craze, without the pesky licensing fees of Universal et al, and create a sensation. It sure worked for this Monster Kid!

Topps Monster Initials 1973-74, Topps

The artwork on each sticker is great stuff, as you’ll see in great detail below. Packs also contained one puzzle piece that could be put to gether to make a scene of monsters looking through the set of cards. The puzzle is awesome but for some reason the artwork is different than on the stickers and resembles legendary artist Jack Davis’ style.

Wax Wrapper

Wrapper serial # 0-449-21-01-3 featured 3 different ads on the back:

Ad Version 1: Bazooka…Has it All!

Ad Version 2: Be Prepared….

Ad Version 3: Lotsa Friends…

Stickers:

Each sticker included 2 peel-off letters and were available in 132 letter combinations. Stickers had blank backs, unlike many other cards of the time that featured jokes or a puzzle on the back, and were either white or tan blanks. White-back stickers were 3 to a pack while tan-back stickers were 4 per pack and, interestingly, also included one cardboard puzzle piece.

One Puzzle Piece was included in each tan-back :

Notice the monster initials spell out ‘Augie’ in the puzzle; he was one of the artists.

Puzzle Back:

Collector Notes:

These stickers are easy to find, but complete sets are rare and expensive. The great artwork combined with the huge nostalgia factor make these highly desirable, which in collecting parlance equals pricey. A quick scan of ebay right now comes up with empty wrappers, empty display boxes for around $30:

Card combinations for $15 are plentiful, though it would add up fast to put together a complete set at this price. An interesting offer for the true completist, the proofs for these stickers are currently on eBay in the $320 per set range! Click the link to see all current eBay listings

Collector Resources

Visit these sites for great information on collecting vintage bubblegum cards:

Monster Kid Memories

I remember these stickers with tremendous affection. Each week, after I received my allowance, I would hop on my yellow banana seat Schwinn and peddle to the local Get-n-Go convenience store. That allowance was boring a hole in my pocket and I’d spend it on comic books, monster magazines, slurpees and bubble gum stickers. Once I discovered these stickers, they became a regular in my allowance spending frenzies. I still come across them on items in my parents’ home from time to time to as they eventually adorned all of my school notebooks and a good assortment of everything else I owned in 1974.

While researching these stickers, I came across a fun website called i-Mockery.com. For Halloween a few years back, they released a piece of interactive software that allows you to ‘Monsterize” your name, or your website name as I did. Click on the link to check it out: Monsterizer

Do you remember these stickers? As always, share your memories and your collections with us!

The Film that Launched the Universal Monsters

Film posters were designed to have short life spans. They were simply intended to promote upcoming and new releases while a film was in the theater. When the film left the theater, the posters were thrown away. Since scarcity and desirability are primary drivers of value, film posters of classic movies are now extremely valuable – particularly for a film as iconic as Universal’s Dracula starring Bela Lugosi.

The iconic nature of Todd Browning’s Dracula and the enduring legacy of Bela Lugosi’s performance make posters for this film some of the most coveted – and expensive – of all classic film posters. Unfortunately, only a few posters are known to exist today from the wide range of designs that originally existed.

Below, we’ve included artwork from the original 1931 Universal press book to give you a look at the original designs that are not known to exist any longer.

One Sheet Film Posters

Dracula 1931 One Sheet Style A

This poster became the most valuable film poster ever sold when it was auctioned for $525,800 on November 17, 2017 by Heritage Auctions. Read the details here.

Dracula 1931 One Sheet Poster Style F

We previously published in-depth article on the Style F One Sheet in our Classic Movie Posters series. You can read it here:

Dracula 1931 Window Cards:

Dracula 1931 Herald:

Dracula 1931 Jumbo Lobby Cards:

Many of these incredible pieces of ephemera are, unfortunately, lost to history. And all of them are beyond he reach of most collectors. Regardless, we have the film and, through this digital gallery, we can all relish the awesome pop culture art of these iconic posters.

You’ll Die Laughing With These Glorious Bubble Gum Cards

By now, most of you readers know I am a 1970s Monster Kid. While Monster Mania was to end by the end of that decade, the early 70s was still a wonderland of phantasmagoric merchandise. By 1973, I was 7 years old, well on my way to Monster Kid-dom, and one of my favorite places in the world was the local Get-n-Go convenience store. The comic book spinner rack was a treasure trove of excitement, the latest issue of Famous Monsters was usually on the magazine stand and then there were the bubble gum cards!

From Wacky Stickers, to Planet of the Apes and eventually to Star Wars, bubble gum cards held me in rapture for a decade, and in many ways they still do. The height of that rapture was Topps Creature Feature cards. It was like Famous Monsters with bubble gum! Each package a mystery with cards featuring pun-filled jokes and marvelous movie still from movies I had yet to see!

Released in 1973, Topps Creature Feature cards featured licensed black and white movie stills from the classic Universal Studios and American International Studios.

Series 1 included cards 1-64:

Card #34:Series 2 includes cards #65-128

Card #66: Back: Card #78:

The back of the cards used the same “You’ll Die Laughing” headline and purple illustrated border as the original 1959 Funny Monsters cards and included a marginally funny monster joke.

Because of this, all three Topps card sets, from 1959 to 1980, are often referred to as You’ll Die Laughing cards. That title most appropriately refers to the 1959 Topps Funny Monsters cards which featured illustrations of monsters rather than licensed movie stills. Not only did Topps use the same headline and border in all three series, they used the same corny jokes in both 1973 and 1980 series as had originally run in 1959!

Topps Reissued Creature Feature in 1980

Largely a reissue of the 1973 Topps You’ll Die Laughing set with many of the same images and captions, about 33% of the 1980 cards were new images, but the primary difference is the wrapping:

As well as the addition of color borders to the 88-card set, which is helpful determine the set these cards belong to:

1980 Topps Creature Feature sets included one of 22 stickers in each package Labeled “The Monster Hall of Fame,” these stickers are quite inexpensive and easy to track down.

Base sets are affordable as well. For collectors on a budget, the 1980 cards are a less expensive place to start collecting.

Collecting Monster Trading Cards

Creature Feature cards from 1973 and 1980 series are quite easy to find both as single cards and in lots. It may take a bit if effort to piece together the entire series as lots often are incomplete. But with time and diligence, assembling a full series is very doable.

Single cards usually range from $1 -$2 and sets are usually in the same per-card price range times the number of cards included in the lot. It is common to find complete display boxes for the 1980 series, though much less common to find 1973 sealed display boxes.

Interestingly, many of the original 1973 proofs are currently listed on eBay for fixed price of $320 each. It’s a really unique collectible, but it would obviously be quite an investment to piece together a large collection of these

Here’s an example:

Worth taking a look, and a really unique monster collectible for the right collector! Click here to see all the Topps Creature Feature cards currently listed on eBay

Monster Card Collecting Resources

More more in-depth information about Topp’s Creature Feature Trading Cards and collecting trading cards in general, I highly recommend these resources:

The Force Is Strong With These Original Star Wars Movie Props

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a little film out called Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. It’s already the most successful movie in film history and it hasn’t even been released for a month. My family has helped that number, with multiple viewings to our collective credit and more planned.

Despite it’s mainstream commercial appeal, this is a film franchise for Monster Kids. Thankfully, director JJ Abrams returned the franchise to the original trilogy roots with a heavy focus on practical effects.

To celebrate this most-welcome news, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at the most expensive props and costumes from the Star Wars movies (yes, even the prequels). The folks over at JustCollecting.com compiled this list of the most expensive Star Wars memorabilia ever sold at auction – from Stormtrooper helmets to slave girl outfits, wookie heads to “weapons for a more civillized age”.

If you’re in the market for a piece of Star Wars movie history, you’re going to need a lot of intergalactic credits…

20) Princess Leia’s ‘slave’ costume

(Image: Profiles in History)

This outfit was worn by Carrie Fisher in Return of the Jedi, when Princess Leia is reduced to a slave girl by the evil Jabba the Hut following her failed attempt to rescue Han Solo. It originated from the collection of Richard Miller, a 30-year veteran with Industrial Light and Magic and the original designer and sculptor of the memorable costume.

The outfit was comprised of screen-worn, production-made rubber elements, along with fabric parts recreated from existing photographs. Described as the most complete and important version of the costume to have survived in private hands, the outfit sold at Profiles in History in October 2015 for $96,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

19) Return of the Jedi Stormtrooper helmet

(Image: Profiles in History)

Return of the Jedi featured more Imperial storm troopers than ever before, particularly for the battle scenes on Endor, so the production team produced around 50 new helmets based on the original molds used for those on The Empire Strikes Back.

The helmet was worn during filing by stunt performer Billy Horrigan, who also worked on movies including the original Indiana Jones trilogy. It remained in his collection for years following the production, and eventually sold at Profiles in History in July 2012 for $98,400 (inc. buyer’s premium).

18) Empire Strikes Back Stormtrooper helmet

(Image: Prop Store)

When it came time to film The Empire Strikes Back, producer Gary Kurtz noticed the original Imperial Stormtrooper costumes from the first film were looking a little worn. Most of the helmets had been reconditioned and repainted, so a new set or around 8-10 helmets was ordered.

This example was one of the new MK II style helmets made during production. Although showing signs of excessive use, and missing its original communicator ear piece on one side, the rare helmet sold for $99,400 (inc. buyer’s premium) during a Prop Store auction in September 2015.

17) Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Cloak

(Image: Bonhams)

Based on Ralph McQuarrie’s conceptual designs, the last of the Jedi Knights appeared as a nomadic monk rather than a great warrior. Not only is ‘Old Ben’ Kenobi’s cloak indicative of the peaceful nature of the Force, it’s also the only thing left of him after his battle with Darth Vader in Episode IV.

The iconic costume appeared in the first two original films, and then remained in storage in Los Angeles until the Bonhams auction in 2007 when it was sold for a price of $104,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

16) Stormtrooper DLT-19 heavy blaster rifle

(Image: Profiles in History)

This DLT-19 heavy blaster rifle was originally created for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope by the British movie weapons company Bapty & Co. Based on a deactivated World War II-era German MG 34 machine gun, the rifle was one of four seen in a weapons rack in the communications room on the Death Star.

Just two of those rifles included Bakelite stocks as seen on this example, meaning there’s a 50% chance it was the rifle used by Chewbacca himself during Princess Leia’s prison break sequence. Having been restored to its screen-used appearance, this blaster rifle – the only one of its kind ever auctioned – sold at Profiles in History in July 2012 for $104,500 (inc. buyer’s premium).

15) Darth Vader helmet & shoulder armour

(Image: Profiles in History)

Following the end of filming on The Empire Strikes Back, Lucasfilm sent this Darth Vader helmet and shoulder armour set to be replicated by N.J. Farmer and Associates. The company then used the production-made originals to create promotional suits, to be worn at the film’s premier in May 1980.

The helmet then spent almost two decades in storage with the company, before being rediscovered, and sold at a Profiles in History auction in July 2012 for $110,700 (inc. buyer’s premium).

14) X-Wing Fighter production miniature

(Image: Profiles in History)

As the Star Wars effects unit filmed the final climactic attack on the Death Star, they realised they were blowing up miniature X-Wing and Y-Wing fighters faster than they could make them. To save time, they started reusing parts from exploded models to create more cannon fodder for the Imperial guards (sorry Porkins).

This unpainted X-Wing filming miniature was created from a variety of screen-used components which survived the effects team’s pyrotechnics. It was the first X-Wing production model ever offered at auction, and sold at Profiles in History in 2010 for $112,100 (inc. buyer’s premium).

13) Darth Vader’s helmet from The Empire Strikes Back

(Image: Profiles in History)

The second Darth Vader helmet to appear on the list was also used in the production of The Empire Strikes Back. It was created for use during the climactic fight scene between Vader and Luke Skywalker, during which Vader reveals (spoiler alert) he is Luke’s father.

The helmet featured transparent cheeks and a modified grill, which enabled the Olympic fencing champion Bob Anderson a much clearer view whilst performing the fight sequences with Mark Hamill. It was sold at a Profiles in History auction in April 2003 for a price of $115,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

12) Darth Vader’s Lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back

(Image: Profiles in History)

Here’s one of the most feared weapons in the galaxy – Darth Vader’s lightsaber. This screen-used prop was used by David Prowse during production on The Empire Strikes Back -most notably in the climactic fight scene in Cloud City, in which the Skywalker family reunion goes slightly awry. Luke gains a parent and loses a hand, as Vader slices it off with this very weapon in one of the worst examples of father-son bonding in cinema history.

Originating from the personal collection of producer Gary Kurtz, this rare original trilogy lightsaber sold at Profiles in History in 2005 for $118,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

11) C-3PO’s head

(Image: Profiles in History)

This original C-3PO helmet was worn on-screen by Anthony Daniels in his role as the faithful protocol droid throughout Return of the Jedi – whether it was translating threats for Jabba the Hutt, or being worshipped as a golden god by the Ewoks on Endor.

The helmet originated from the collection of Brian Lofthouse, who worked as prop supervisor on the original Star Wars trilogy and oversaw all elements of Daniels’ complex C-3PO costume. It was sold by Profiles in History in December 2008 for $120,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

10) Chewbacca’s Head

(Image: Profiles in History)

7’ 3” tall actor Peter Mayhew was immediately cast as Chewbacca by simply standing up to greet George Lucas at a London audition. The character was based on Lucas’ dog Indiana, who often sat next to him in his car like a ‘co-pilot’ (and who later gave his name to a certain Dr Jones).

This screen-worn Chewbacca mask, made from yak hair and mohair, was one of five used during filming and is currently the most valuable – having sold for $172,200 (inc. buyer’s premium) at Profiles in History in July 2012. (Image: Profiles in History)

9) Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing fighter model

(Image: Profiles in History)

This screen-used effects model X-Wing appeared throughout The Empire Strikes Back – identifiable as Luke Skywalker’s fighter by the tiny model R2-D2 behind the cockpit. Bearing battle scars and blast marks, the X-Wing was used in numerous multi-element motion control shots during production. It sold at Profiles in History in July 2012 for $221,400 (inc. buyer’s premium).

8) X-Wing fighter model

(Image: Profiles in History)

This exceedingly rare X-Wing fighter model was one of the few fully painted and finished models to emerge from the production of Star Wars in one piece. Most were damaged by pyrotechnic effects designed to simulate explosions during filming of the final assault on the Death Star.

Measuring approx. 22 in. long by 18 in. wide, the model was consigned from the collection of a multiple Academy Award-wining visual effects supervisor and sold at Profiles in History in December 2012 for $225,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

7) Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber

(Image: Profiles in History)

The lightsaber is one of the most iconic screen weapons in movie history – “an elegant weapon for a more civilised age” used by generations of Jedi knights. In 2008, the weapon used by Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker in the first Star Wars film was sold at auction from the personal collection of producer Gary Kurtz. It realized $240,000 (inc. buyer’s premium) at Profiles in History, an auction record for a screen-used lightsaber.

6) Han Solo’s Blaster

(Image: Profiles in History)

“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.” Han Solo’s weapon of choice may be a little more down-to-earth, but for collectors it was equally as desirable. Screen-used by Harrison Ford in both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the blaster was described as “possibly the most exciting science fiction weapon to have been offered for public auction”. It sold at Profiles in History in December 2013 for $246,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

5) Empire Strikes Back Snow Trooper helmet

(Image: Profiles in History)

Although numerous Imperial Stormtrooper helmets have appeared on the market, this unique example is the only Imperial Snowtrooper helmet to ever come to auction. Worn during the battle scenes on the ice planet of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back, this helmet remained in original production condition more than 30 years later. It sold at Profiles in History in July 2012 for an exceptional $276,750 (inc. buyer’s premium).

4) Imperial Stormtrooper costume

(Image: Christie’s)

This set of Imperial Stormtrooper costume components features pieces made for both Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. The set was given to a teenage member of an amateur dramatics society in 1993, by another member of the group who had previously worked at Elstree Studios as a pyro-technician. Despite minor damage and restoration, the costume sold for an impressive $319,574 (inc. buyer’s premium) at Christie’s in December 2011.

3) Miniature TIE Fighter model

(Image: Profiles in History)

The second-most valuable prop on the list is another survivor from the first attack on the Death Star – a screen-used model TIE fighter. The fighter is known to fans as the one which collides with Darth Vader in the trench, allowing Luke to take his shot and sending Vader hurtling off into space to fight another day.

As a prop which changed the fate of the galaxy, the TIE fighter model commanded a top price at auction – a then-record $402,500 (inc. buyer’s premium), realized at Profiles in History in 2008

2) Rebel blockade runner ship

(Image: Profiles in History)

This Rebel ‘Blockade Runner’ ship features in the first moments of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, as it comes under fire from a far larger Imperial Star Destroyer – perfectly capturing the central struggle of the story in a single opening shot.

The unique 16-inch miniature was filmed moving along the entire length of the Dykstraflex track (the world’s first digital motion control camera system designed specifically for Star Wars).

It originated from the collection of Grant McCune, Chief Model Maker on the film’s Miniature and Optical Effects Unit who won an Academy Award for his efforts. It was auctioned at Profiles in History in October 2015 for $465,000 (inc. buyer’s premium), making it the most expensive Star Wars movie prop ever sold.

1) George Lucas’ Panavision Camera

(Image: Profiles in History)

The most expensive piece of Star Wars memorabilia ever sold never even appeared in Star Wars – because it was too busy shooting it. This Panavision PSR 35 mm camera was used by George Lucas during principle photography of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope in 1976.

It was later acquired by legendary Hollywood actress Debbie Reynolds as part of her famous movie memorabilia collection, and sold at Profiles in History in December 2011 for $625,000 (inc. buyer’s premium).

FX Artist’s Tribute to the Planet of the Apes

Brian Penikas is a talented practical effects artist best known for his design of the Creeper in Jeepers Creepers. Like many modern make-up artists in Hollywood, Penikas fell in love with practical effects thanks to the magical work of his predecessors. For Brian, it was John Chambers‘ brilliant work for the original Planet of the Apes films that set Brian on his career path.

This episode takes a look at Ape Mania, Brian’s tribute company that honors the work of John Chambers and the seminal science fiction franchise, The Planet of the Apes. Since 1996, Brian and his crew have been making film-quality PoTA replica props, masks and memorabilia as well s appearances at events.

Planet of the Apes was one of my formative Monster Kid events as a youngster and it’s great to see professionals honoring their own influences and keeping us modern monster kids well stocked with museum-quality collectibles.

Watch the episode here:

Ape Mania Collectibles

Apemania.com is still the place to go to see their officially licensed merchandise. The site hasn’t been updated in quite a while and many of the products are quoted price, but it’s well worth a visit to check out the full line of products as well as a great link resource page for other Ape-related websites.

Classic Movie Posters

The Gill Man swam into theaters in 1954 and has since joined the ranks of the classic Universal monsters alongside Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Wolf Man. This classic film was originally released in 3-D and featured groundbreaking underwater photography. The creature was performed on land by Ben Chapman and underwater by champion swimmer Ricou Browning, who had to hold his breath for up to four minutes while shooting scenes.

While The Creature from the Black Lagoon was originally released in in dual-strip 35mm polarized 3-D, and the listing of 3-D posters in the pressbook, they were never issued. The only original poster to have 3-D text actually printed on it was the 14×22 window card. Universal sent “Underwater Thrills in 3-D” snipes for the other posters:

This is an actual snipe that was included along with a one-sheet poster in a recent offering by Heritage Auctions. These snipes were rarely used so most of the one-sheets found today do not have the snipes on them.

Here’s what the one-sheet looks like with the snipe:

Take a look at this incredible image from Universal’s 1954 press book courtesy of the wonderful site 3DFilmArchive.com

The one-sheet poster is one of the rarest and most sought after movie posters of the 1950s. The poster art was done by Albert Kallis, who was also responsible for almost all the posters of Roger Corman‘s B-movies in the 1950s, including It Conquered the World, War of the Colossal Beast and many, many more. Kallis was born of Russian immigrant parents, co-founded IHOP (yep, the House of Pancakes) and created some of the greatest genre movie posters of the 1950s. If you don’t know much about this guy, I highly recommend his autobiography:

Here’s the 1954 theatrical trailer for The Creature from the Black Lagoon:

Poster Value

As with most Creature collectibles, paper from this classic monster movie is highly sought after and comes with a correspondingly high price tag. A copy in Very Fine condition sold for $20,315 in Heritage Auctions Vintage Movie Posters Signature Auction in July 2015.

The Creature returned to the theater multiple times over the next 20 years, and movie posters for these return showings are much less expensive than the original 1954 release.

Classic Movie Poster Gallery

Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Toho, 1956)
U.S. One-sheet (27″ x 41″)

Godzilla King of the Monsters is the heavily re-edited American 1956 adaptation of the Japanese film Gojira, originally produced by Toho Studios in 1954, which had previously been shown subtitled in the United States in Japanese community theaters only, and was not released in Europe. For the American version, some of the political, social, and anti-nuclear themes and overtones were removed, resulting in 16 minutes of footage cut from the original Japanese version and replaced with new footage shot exclusively for the film’s North American release, featuring Canadian actor Raymond Burr playing the lead role of American journalist Steve Martin, from whose perspective the film is told, mainly through flashbacks and narration.

Of note, Godzilla King of the Monsters was the first post-World War II film to present Japanese people in heroic roles or as sympathetic victims of the destruction of Tokyo to the American public in a commercial release given A-picture status and bookings.

This poster is the U.S. One-sheet style for the 1956 release and I simply love ti for it’s comic book sensibilities and over-top melodrama:

Incredible, Unstoppable Titan of Terror

It’s Alive

Civilization Crumbles as its death rays blast a city of 6 million from the face of the earth

Mightiest Monster!

Mightiest Melodrama of them all!

Who could have known that 61 years after the release of the original Toho film in Japan that Godzilla would still be the King of the Monsters and as viable commercially at the box office as in the mid-1950s.

All Hail, Godzilla! King of the Monsters!

Enjoy this 1956 theatrical trailer for Godzilla, King of the Monsters:

Poster Value

This poster is always in high demand and the only current auction I found while writing this article was on Heritage Auctions. They are offering a folded, Fine/Very Fine copy and estimate it will sell for $2,000 to $4,000. Since the current bid is $1,000 with 17 days yet to go in the auction, their estimate is probably low.

Classic Movie Poster Gallery

Dracula (Universal, 1931) One Sheet (27″ X 41″) Style F

It’s October and we’re getting back to basics with a focus on the most iconic of all classic monster movies, the films from Universal Studios. First up, Bela Lugosi as Dracula in the 1931 film classic.

Watch this video history of 1931’s Dracula from Heritage Aucitions:

From Heritage Auctions website:

This lovely Style F stone litho one sheet, with its stunning image of Count Dracula aboard the Vespa en route to London, is a real gem. In March 2009, Heritage sold another copy of this style, from the collection of Nicolas Cage, which realized more than $310,000. At the time, it was noted that the copy offered was one of only three known. The discovery of the poster in this auction brings that grand total to four known to exist in the entire world. The poster had a tear in the upper white border that extends into the image within the green field between Dracula’s raised fist and the moon behind him, with a tiny fleck of missing paper at the intersection of the border and the green field. There was tear from the left border into the “D” in “Dracula” and down into the black of the cape. There was two tears in the right border that extend just into the image and there were pinholes in the upper two corners of the artwork. The bottom white border was trimmed just below the black line which delineates the image from the border so no color image was lost and the entire image and all borders were intact other than the lower border. Through careful professional restoration all of these issues discussed were beautifully restored. The colors on the poster are as vibrant as the day it was printed and have not been altered at all. Few posters combine the high degrees of rarity, desirability, and sheer artistic beauty like this scarce showpiece.

The poster described in the video, only the fourth Style F poster from the film ever uncovered, sold at auction in 2012 for $143,400. This poster was part of The Berwick Discovery of Lost Movie Posters – a trove of 33 classic and incredibly rare posters dating back as far as 1930 – many examples of which were thought to be lost for all time, realized $503,035 total,. The Berwick posters came out of an attic and were found in a small country auction in Berwick, PA, in several lots stuck together with wallpaper paste, which had preserved them for more than eight decades.

In 2009, a Style F one sheet owned by the actor Nicolas Cage went for $310,700 when the actor sold off his collection.